This week we’re spotlighting Bleed Like Mylee in Meet The Band. A lineup of veteran musicians have issued their debut EP Nuk Soo Kow, inspired by the Jean-Claude Van Damme movie Kickboxer. Vocalist Joseph Izayea introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Bleed Like Mylee.
Joseph Izayea: Josh Previte and I currently work together under the project From Under Concrete Kings, but met when forming a band back in 2012 called To Die This Night, where Doug Waite was the drummer. That project was active for about two years, and the three of us have remained close friends ever since, and all had long wished to work on a project together again when the opportunity arose.
What led you to write a concept album about the movie Kickboxer?
During the To Die This Night years, we all discovered that we each had a guilty obsession with ’80s action movies and Star Wars. Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Time Cop, Predator, Conan The Barbarian, and Revenge of The Sith were basically on repeat on the TV in our rehearsal space, with Bloodsport and Kickboxer taking the lion’s share. We always fantasized about it, and finally nearly a decade later brought it to life.
Describe the songwriting process for Nuk Soo Kow.
Josh produced the compositions, Joe wrote the lyrics, and conceptualized the arrangement of the quotes and reimagined samples.
How would you characterize the EP’s style/sound/genre?
Definitely straightforward metalcore with deathcore influences and tomfoolery.
What led you to go the independent route for the album release?
It’s the only route available to us. We don’t shop to labels and wouldn’t hear anything back if we did.
What are your goals and expectations for the EP?
Honestly, our goals have already been achieved. We put this all together. Only expectations we have are some chuckles from lovers of ’80s action movies. Anything after that is happy extra.
Do you have plans to play live in support of the record?
We do, perhaps in the fall.
How did you get started in music?
Going to local shows and making friends!
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
Between The Buried and Me, Skinless and Black Dahlia Murder to name a few!
What was the first metal concert you attended?
Local show for Joe actually, and Ozzfest for the rest!
Give us an update on the other projects/bands you’re involved in.
Seeking Sirens, Sour Times, From Under Concrete Kings, Patient 0, to name a few!
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
3D printing, movies, gaming, and reading to name a few!
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Newest Motionless in White, Light The Torch, Bad Wolves, and Whitechapel lately.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Thanks so much for giving our stuff a spin, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be sure you catch the video of our title track!
(interview published August 13, 2022)
Watch Bleed Like Mylee – “Nuk Soo Kow”
